Collapsible storage container

ABSTRACT

A collapsible container includes a bottom wall and a plurality of sidewalls. At least two of the side walls include a rigid first segment and a rigid second segment coupled to the first segment by a pivot to permit the side wall to fold so that the first segment and second segment form an acute angle or are parallel when the container is collapsed. The collapsible container can be configured in a storage configuration for containing objects or a collapsed configuration occupying less volume than the storage configuration for stowing the container.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a collapsible storage container.

BACKGROUND

Containers are used for storing various objects, for example foods andbeverages, toys, files and other documents, and sporting equipment. Somecontainers designed for storing foods and beverages are thermallyinsulated, as many foods and beverages are best when consumed at acertain temperature. These types of containers are commonly known ascoolers. Storing foods and beverages in a cooler allows traveling, forexample driving with the cooler in a vehicle to a beach or a tailgateparty, while maintaining the foods and beverages at a substantiallyconstant temperature.

One type of conventional cooler is a rigid insulated box. This type ofcooler occupies the same amount of space whether in use or not in use.As a result, a cooler of this type is cumbersome to store when not inuse. Another type of conventional cooler is collapsible in order tooccupy a smaller volume when not in use than when in use for storagepurposes. However, this type of cooler has flexible side walls that donot offer much protection in the event the collapsible cooler is droppedor struck by an object, for example.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of a collapsible storage container are described herein. Inone of the disclosed embodiments, the container includes a bottom walland a plurality of side walls. At least two of the side walls include arigid first segment and a rigid second segment. The second segment iscoupled to the first segment by a pivot, permitting the side wall tofold so that the first segment and second segment form an acute angle orare parallel when the container is collapsed.

In another illustrative embodiment, a collapsible storage containerincludes a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls pivotally coupledto the bottom wall. Each side wall is comprised of a rigid lower wallsegment and a rigid upper wall segment. The rigid lower wall segment hasa first end pivotally coupled to the bottom wall and a second end spacedapart from the first end. The rigid upper wall segment has a hinged endpivotally coupled to the second end of the lower wall segment and adistal end spaced apart from the hinged end. The storage container isconfigurable in a storage configuration wherein the distal ends of theupper wall segments are positioned a first distance from the bottom walland a collapsed position wherein the distal ends of the upper wallsegments are positioned a second distance from the bottom wall. Thesecond distance is less than the first distance.

In a third illustrative embodiment, a collapsible container includes abottom wall, a pair of end walls, and a pair of lateral walls. Each endwall includes a rigid lower wall segment having a first end pivotallycoupled to the bottom wall and a second end spaced apart from the firstend of the lower wall segment, and each end wall includes a rigid upperwall segment having a hinged end pivotally coupled to the second end ofthe lower wall segment and a distal end spaced apart from the hinged endof the upper wall segment. Each lateral wall includes a rigid lower wallsegment having a first end pivotally coupled to the bottom wall and asecond end spaced apart from the first end of the lower wall segment,and each lateral wall includes a rigid upper wall segment having ahinged end pivotally coupled to the second end of the lower wall segmentand a distal end spaced apart from the hinged end of the upper wallsegment. A plurality of attachment members are included, and eachattachment member couples the distal end of the upper wall segment ofeach end wall to the distal end of the upper wall segment of one of thelateral walls. The storage container is configurable in a storageconfiguration wherein the distal ends of the upper wall segments of theend walls and lateral walls are positioned a first distance from thebottom wall and a collapsed configuration wherein the distal ends of theupper wall segments of the end walls and lateral walls are positioned asecond distance from the bottom wall. The second distance is less thanthe first distance.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The description herein makes reference to the accompanying drawingswherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout theseveral views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 attached to athermoelectric lid coupled to a vehicle;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the thermoelectric lid of FIG. 2 in acontainer-engaging position including a phantom of the lid in acontainer-accepting position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the thermoelectric lid of FIG. 2 in astowed position;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a collapsed container according to thepresent invention stowed in a vehicle storage compartment along with alid;

FIG. 6A-C are perspective views of a container according to the presentinvention in a storage configuration, a partially collapsedconfiguration, and a fully collapsed configuration, respectively;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a collapsible container according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 is a partial view of a cross-section of a hinge connecting twoinwardly folding side walls along line A-A in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a partial view of a cross-section of a hinge connecting twooutwardly folding side walls along line B-B in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a partial view of a cross-section of a hinge connecting anoutward folding side wall and a bottom wall along line C-C in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of a joint connecting two adjacentside walls; and

FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of acontainer according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a container 10 along with an optional removable lid16. The lid 16 can be used when transporting the container 10 outside ofa vehicle, such as when using the container 10 on a beach, though thelid 16 can also be used while the container 10 is in a vehicle. As shownin FIG. 6A, the container 10 defines an opening 20 and a cavity 48accessible through the opening 20 for storing, for example, foods andbeverages.

Also as shown in FIG. 6A, the lid 16 can include a nesting projection 40that can be inserted into the opening 20 of the container 10 forenclosing the cavity 48. The nesting projection 40 can have the sameshape as the opening 20, and the nesting projection 40 can extend adistance, e.g., 0.5″ or 1.0″, from the underside of the lid 16 to engagethe interior of the container 10. A seal can circumscribe the nestingprojection 40.

Referring back to FIG. 1, pivotable handles 72 can be positioned toengage the top of the lid 16 to hold the lid 16 against the container10. The lid 16 can include handles 72 without a nesting projection 40 orvice versa. Alternatively, the lid 16 can be secured to the container 10with a different structure. For example, the container 10 can include atrack near the opening 20, and the lid 16 can be sidably engaged withthe track. As another example, the lid 16 can be attached to thecontainer 10 with a detachable latch. Also, the lid 16 and container 10need not be separate; the lid 16 can be pivotally coupled to thecontainer 10 if desired.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the lid 16 can define cup-holders 17 forholding beverages or other items. Alternatively, the lid 16 can defineother shapes, such as a recessed tray for holding food and other items.The lid 16 can be constructed from a material that is thermallyinsulating and sufficiently rigid to protect the contents of thecontainer 10 from damage resulting from an impact, such as an ABSplastic shell with a polyuretiane foam interior. Additional lid 16materials can include other polymers, composites, and metals. The lid 16does not necessarily have to be rigid as mentioned above. For example, athermally insulated flap can function as a lid. Also, the lid 16 caninclude additional features. For example, the lid 16 can include athermometer and a display indicating the temperature inside thecontainer 10, or the lid 16 can include an integral reusable ice pack toenable the lid 16 to actively cool the contents of the container 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, the container 10 can rest on a floor 44 of aninterior compartment 52 of a vehicle 12 for engagement with another lid14, which can enclose a thermoelectric device fixed to the vehicle 12.The container 10 can rest on a different portion of the vehicle 12 fromthe floor 44, such as an indent in the floor 44 or a platform above thefloor 44. The interior compartment 52 can be for example, the trunk of asedan or the storage area of a van or SUV. Additionally, the container10 can be engaged by a portion of the vehicle 12 outside the interiorcompartment 52. For example, if the vehicle 12 is a pick-up truck, avehicle structure (discussed in more detail below) in the bed of thetruck can engage the container.

The thermoelectric device in the lid 14 can include Peltier elements,such as p-type silicon and n-type silicon. The Peltier elements can becoupled to a heat sink and a fan to force convection to heat or cool thecontainer 10, though heat transfer other than by forced convection maybe sufficient to heat and/or cool the container without a heat sinkand/or fan. The lid 14 can also include additional structures, such as athermometer to measure the temperature in the container 10 and acontroller to control the thermoelectric device. Reversing the currentapplied to the Peltier elements allows the thermoelectric device toprovide either cool or warm air. However, if desired, the lid 14 caninclude a traditional refrigeration and heat pump system including acompressor, evaporator, condenser, and expansion valve, or another typeof heating and/or cooling system. Further, instead of the Peltierelements for heating and/or cooling, the lid 14 can contain anotherdevice. For example, the lid 14 can contain a light, a battery charger,a water purification system, or another device.

The lid 14 can be electrically connected to a vehicle battery, avoidingthe need for a separate power supply for the lid 14. Wiring can be runinternally of an interior panel 42 (e.g., a panel forming an interiorwall or the floor 44 of the vehicle 12) to avoid exposed wiring. In thismanner, the lid 14 can draw power from a battery of the vehicle 12 evenwhen the vehicle 12 is not running, i.e., when the vehicle 12 is in an“Off” state. Additionally, the vehicle 12 can include a controller toregulate the amount of power drawn by the lid 14. For example, thecontroller receive a signal from a battery monitor, and the controllercan reduce the amount of power provided to the lid 14 (e.g., by turningthe lid 14 off) in the event the lid 14 is running when the amount ofenergy remaining in the vehicle battery is below a predetermined amountand the vehicle engine is not running, thereby preventing the vehiclebattery from becoming too drained to start the vehicle 12. As anotherexample, the controller can receive a signal from a gasoline monitor,and the controller can reduce the amount of power provided to the lid 14when the amount of gasoline remaining is below a predetermined amount,thereby reducing the load on the vehicle engine to increase theefficiency of the vehicle 12. Also, the lid 14 can include its own powersupply, such as a battery or solar panel, in addition to or as analternate for power supplied by the vehicle battery.

Current flowing through the Peltier elements can be adjusted to vary themagnitude of heating or cooling. A switch 50 on the internal panel 42 ofthe vehicle 12 can be used to control power to the lid 14 as shown inFIG. 2, and the switch 50 can include multiple settings such as “Heat”,“Cool”, and “Off”. The switch 50 can additionally or alternativelyinclude multiple temperature settings, such as “high”, “medium”, and“low”, or allow a user to set a specific temperature. The switch 50 canalternatively be located at another location in the vehicle 12, such asan instrument panel or the thermoelectric lid 14. Alternatively, aswitch can be located on the container 10.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the thermoelectric lid 14 can be sized toenclose the opening 20 of the container 10. Similar to the lid 16including the nesting projection 40 described above, the thermoelectriclid 14 can include a nesting projection or other structure forattachment to the container 10. Additionally, the handles 72 coupled tothe container 10 can be rotated to secure the thermoelectric lid 14 overthe opening of the container 10. Also as described above in reference tothe lid 16, alternative structures from a nesting projection and handles72 can be used to secure the lid 14 to the container 10, such as clipsor a latch. A seal can be included along an interface between thethermoelectric lid 14 and the container 10. With the lid 14 attached tothe container 10, the Peltier elements can be in thermal communicationwith the cavity 48 of the container 10.

When the lid 14 is engaged with the container 10, the container 10 canbe held in a retained position (i.e., a position that limits movement ofthe container 10 relative to the vehicle 12) by the lid 14 as shown inFIG. 2. When the container 10 and thermoelectric lid 14 are disengaged,the container 10 can be moved. Thus, engagement of the container 10 withthe lid 14 can prevent the container 10 from moving during driving,thereby reducing the likelihood of spilling foods or drinks in thecontainer 10. Additionally, the container 10 can be retained in thevehicle 12 by a container attachment member other than the lid 14, suchas a clamp, a belt, or another structure. The optional lid 16 can beused when the container is disengaged from the thermoelectric lid 14 if,for example, the thermoelectric lid 14 is permanently coupled to thevehicle 12, as the thermoelectric lid 14 can be configured to disengagefrom the vehicle 12 as described below.

The thermoelectric lid 14 can be pivotally mounted to the interiorvehicle panel 42 by a hinge 15 for rotation between a first position, asecond position, and a third position. FIG. 3 illustrates the lid 14oriented horizontally in the first position (hereinafter referred to asthe horizontal position) and in phantom in the second position. That is,in the second position, a distal end of the lid 14 can be higher thenthe distal end of the lid in the first position. FIG. 4 illustrates thelid 14 oriented vertically in the third position (hereinafter referredto as the vertical position), with the distal end of the lid 14 lowerthan the hinged end of the lid.

When in the horizontal position as shown in FIG. 3, the thermoelectriclid 14 is spaced from the floor 44 of the vehicle 12 by a distance 46corresponding to a height of the container 10, though the thermoelectriclid 14 can be pivotable beyond the horizontal position to the secondposition as shown in phantom in order to slide the container 10 betweenthe floor 44 and the thermoelectric lid 14. For example, the lid 14 canbe pivotable beyond horizontal by a distance sufficient for a nestingprojection of the lid 14 to be above the top of the container 10. As aresult, the second position allows the thermoelectric lid 14 to beengaged with the container 10. A spring can be coupled to thethermoelectric lid 14 to bias the lid 14 toward the horizontal positionfrom the second position. Also, the lid 14 need not be exactlyhorizontal while in the first position. Instead, the lid 14 can betilted from the horizontal in the first position so long as the lid 14can engage the container 10. For example, if a top surface of thecontainer 10 is not level, the lid 14 can be tilted from the horizontalwhile in the first position. Further, the interior vehicle panel 42 canbe contoured to the shape of the container 10 such that the container 10snuggly fits against the panel 42 when engaged with the lid 14. Forexample, at least a portion the panel 42 near the thermoelectric lid 14can be substantially vertical if the sides of the container 10 extendsubstantially vertically.

When in the vertical position as illustrated in FIG. 4, thethermoelectric lid 14 can be stowed against the interior panel 42 of thevehicle. If desired, the interior panel 42 can include an indent 43 asshown in FIG. 3 such that the lid 14 is substantially flush with theinterior panel 42 when in the vertical position. Additionally, if thelid 14 includes a nesting projection similar to the projection 40 on lid16, the indent 43 can include a recess sized to receive the nestingprojection to hold the lid 14 against the vehicle panel 42. Thethermoelectric lid 14 can be automatically turned off whenever the lid14 is in the vertical position. Additionally, the lid 14 can be retainedin the vertical position by, for example, a snap fit or friction fitbetween the lid 14 and the interior panel 42. Thus, if a spring biasesthe lid 14 toward the horizontal position as described above, the lid 14automatically pivots to the horizontal position once disengaged from thevertical position. Then, a user can pivot the lid 14 back to thevertical position and engage the lid 14 with the panel 42 to retain thelid 14 in the vertical position. Alternative forces can be applied tothe thermoelectric lid 14. For example, a spring can be included forurging the lid 14 toward the vertical position, or the lid 14 can befreely movable.

While the lid 14 is described above as being pivotally mounted to theinterior panel 42 of the vehicle 12, the lid 14 can alternatively beconnected to another vehicle structure. For example, the vehiclestructure can be part of a bed of a truck, a roof rack, a seat, a centerconsole, a trunk lid if the vehicle 12 is a car or a lift gate if thevehicle 12 is an SUV, or another portion of the vehicle. The vehiclestructure can be a portion of the vehicle 12 as originally manufactured,or the vehicle 12 can be retrofit to include the vehicle structure. Forexample, the vehicle structure can be an aftermarket bracket attached tothe vehicle 12 for the purpose of mounting the lid 14. Additionally, thelid 14 can be coupled to the vehicle 12 with a structure other than thehinge 15, such as a detachable snap-fit coupling including an electricconnection between the lid 14 and vehicle 12, or a slidable engagementbetween the lid 14 and a track included on the vehicle 12. Depending onthe structure for coupling the lid 14 to the vehicle structure, thefirst and second positions of the lid 14 can be different fromillustrated, so long as the lid 14 can engage the container 10 in thefirst position and be disengaged from the container 10 in the secondposition. Further, the container 10 need not be moveable to the thirdposition.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the vehicle 12 can additionally include astorage compartment 54. The storage compartment 54 can be in the storagearea, e.g., the trunk, of the vehicle 12. The storage compartment 54 caninclude an area designed to hold the removable lid 16, an area designedto hold the container 10 when collapsed, and/or an area design to holdthe lid 14 if it is removable from the vehicle 12. If multiple storageareas are included, the areas can be side-by-side, stacked vertically,or have another configuration. Alternatively, the storage compartment 54can be sized to hold only the container 10 if, for example, the lid 14is not detachable from the vehicle 12 and a lid 16 is not included.

The general structure and function of the container 10 are firstdescribed with reference to FIGS. 6A-C, with the structure of thecontainer 10 later described in greater detail with reference to FIGS.7-11. FIGS. 6A-C illustrate the container 10 in a storage configuration,a partially collapsed configuration, and a collapsed configuration,respectively. The container 10 as shown includes four side walls 24 a-d,which can define a generally rectangular shape 38 regardless of theconfiguration of the container 10. Alternatively, a container can havethree side walls or more than four side walls. Each side wall 24 a-d caninclude a first, lower segment 26 and a second, upper segment 28.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the container 10 is in the upright configuration,with each side wall 24 a-d having its lower and upper segments 26 and 28aligned vertically (i.e., the segments 26 and 28 are parallel). However,depending on the design of the container 10, the segments 26 and 28 neednot be parallel when the container 10 is in the upright configuration;for example, the segments 26 and 28 can form an obtuse angle when thecontainer 10 is in the storage configuration.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the two end side walls 24 a and 24 c are in theprocess of collapsing outward, while the two lateral side walls 24 b and24 d are collapsing inward. (The terms outward and outboard refer to adirection away from the center of the container 10, while the termsinward and inboard refer to a direction toward the center of thecontainer 10). Each upper segment 28 can be coupled to the adjacentupper segments 28 such that all side walls 24 a-d collapsesimultaneously as shown in FIG. 6B and described below in greaterdetail.

As shown in FIG. 6C, the container 10 is collapsed with each side wall24 a-d folded such that its lower segment 26 faces its upper segment 28.That is, the inboard surfaces of the outwardly folding segments 24 a and24 c are acutely angled, and the outboard surfaces of the inwardlyfolding segments 24 b and 24 d are acutely angled. Depending on thedesign of the container 10, the segments 26 and 28 can be parallel. Thatis, when the container 10 is collapsed, the segments 26 and 28 can beacutely angled or parallel, depending on the design of the container 10.Further, the distal or top end of each upper segment 28 is substantiallyadjacent (i.e., positioned near) to the end of the lower segment 26hinged to the bottom 22 when the container 10 is collapsed. The closertogether the top end of the upper segment 28 to the end of the lowersegment 26 hinged to the bottom 22, the smaller the angle between thesegments 26 and 28 and the smaller the height of the container 10 in thecollapsed configuration. The container 10 can be fully collapsed whentwo portions that pivot relative to one another, e.g., segments 26 and28, come into contact. Additionally, the container 10 can include bossesintended to limit collapsing of the container 10 in order to avoidstress on hinges or other parts of the container 10.

The container 10 in the collapsed configuration as shown in FIG. 6C canhave a lower height than the container 10 in the storage configurationas shown in FIG. 6A, thereby reducing the volume occupied by thecontainer 10 when in the collapsed configuration. The total differencein height between the storage and collapsed configurations can varydepending on the design of the container 10.

A user can collapse the container 10 by pushing side walls 24 a-d inwardor outward, depending on the configuration of the side wall 24 a-d.However, the container 10 can collapse in a different manner. Forexample, all four side walls 24 a-d can collapse outward, or two sidewalls 24 a and 24 c and a bottom wall 22 of the container 10 cancollapse while the other two side walls 24 b and 24 d remain rigid, inwhich cases the rectangular shape 3 8 would not be maintained at allcontainer configurations.

The container 10 can be designed as a cooler or an insulated shippingcontainer. In this case, the bottom 22 and side walls 24 a-d can beformed from a thermally insulating material that is sufficiently rigidto protect the contents of the container 10 from damage resulting froman impact, such as an ABS plastic shell with a polyurethane foaminterior. Alternatively, other materials including polymers, composites,and metals can be used to construct the container 10. The container 10can be designed for other uses, such as organizing items in a vehicle.Accordingly, the container 10 need not necessarily be thermallyinsulating.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of the container 10. The four sidewalls 24 a-d can each consist of a lower segment 26 and an upper segment28 as mentioned above. However, each side wall 24 a-d can consist ofmore than two segments, such as three segments or four segments. Thelower and upper segments 26 and 28 can have the same height to enablethe container 10 to retain the rectangular shape 38 at any configuration(e.g., when the container 10 is in the collapsed configuration or whenthe container 10 is in the storage configuration). Each lower segment 26can be pivotally coupled to its respective upper segment 28 and thebottom 22, as will be discussed in below in reference to FIGS. 8-10. Anupper corner 3 6 of one side wall, e.g., side wall 24 b, can be coupledto an upper corner 34 of its adjacent side walls, side wall 24 c in theexample, using a joint 78 as described below in reference to FIG. 11.Either lid 14 or 16 can rest on a top surface 32 of each side wall 24a-d when engaged with the container 10.

Two opposing side walls, e.g., outwardly folding side walls 24 a and 24c, can each include a handle 72 for carrying the container 10. Forexample, the handle 72 can be pivotally connected to the outboard sideof side walls 24 a and 24 c. Alternatively, the handle 72 can be moldedinto the side walls 24 a and 24 c or otherwise attached to the container10. Also, all four side walls 24 a-d can include handles 72 if desired.

The container 10 can include structures for holding each lower segment26 relative to its corresponding upper segment 28 when the container 10is in the storage configuration. For example, still referring to FIG. 7,the upper segment 28 of the outwardly folding side walls 24 a and 24 ccan include a tab 74 on its outboard side projecting toward the lowersegment 26, and the lower segment 26 can include a notch 76 on itsoutboard side sized for a snap-fit engagement with the tab 74. Forexample, the tab 74 can be a rectangular projection integrally moldedwith the upper segment 28 and the notch 76 can be a rectangularindentation molded in the lower segment 26, though the tab 74 and notch76 can have alternative shapes and be formed separately from thesegments 26 and 28. The tab 74 and notch 76 can become engaged when thecontainer 10 is moved to the storage configuration to secure thecontainer 10 in the storage configuration, and the tab 74 and notch 76can easily be disengaged by pushing the side wall 24 a outward toovercome the snap-fit. The tightness of the fit between the tab 74 andnotch 76 can be varied to control the amount of force required toseparate the segments 26 and 28 and thus to collapse or right thecontainer 10.

In alternative to the above described tab 74 and notch 76 locations, thetab 74 and notch 76 can be positioned at other locations. For example,tabs 74 can project from lower segments 26 and notches 76 can be definedby upper segments 28, or tabs 74 and notches 76 can be on an inboardside of inwardly folding side walls 24 b and 24 d. Also, alternativeand/or additional structures can be used to secure lower segments 26relative to upper segments 28, such as a latch 66 shown in FIG. 7 anddescribed below in detail with reference to FIG. 9, or a bar coupled toone segment 26 or 28 and slidably engagable with the other segment 26 or28. However, the container 10 need not include a structure for securingthe segments 26 and 28 relative to one another. For example, the lids 14and 16 can provide sufficient support to hold the container 10 in thestorage configuration, or friction in the hinges 56 and 58 may sufficeto hold the container 10 static.

Additionally, structures can be used to secure side walls 24 a-drelative to other side walls 24 a-d when the container 10 is in thestorage configuration. For example, still referring to FIG. 7, an angledprojection 75 and a catch 77 can be located on an inboard side of aninwardly folding side wall, e.g., side wall 24 b, and an inboard side ofan adjacent outwardly folding side wall, such as side wall 24 c in theexample, respectively. Each projection 75 can have a generallytriangular shape and be integrally molded with the side wall 24 b, andeach catch 77 can be a flange integrally formed with the side wall 24 cand angled to receive the projection 75 as the container 10 is movedinto the storage configuration. The projection 75 and catch 77 canengage in a friction fit when the container 10 is in the storageconfiguration to secure the container 10 in the storage configuration,and the engagement can be undone by applying a force to the side walls24 a-d to move the container toward the collapsed configuration. Thetightness of the fit between the projection 75 and catch 77 can bevaried to control the amount of force required to collapse the container10. Alternatively, other structures can be used to hold the container 10in the storage configuration, such as the joint 78 shown in FIG. 7 anddescribed in greater detail with reference to FIG. 11. Also, theprojection 75 and catch 77 can be located in different positions thanillustrated, such as extending from lower segments 26. Further, thecontainer 10 need not include a structure for securing the adjacent sidewalls 24 a-d relative to one another. For example, the lid 16 canprovide sufficient support to hold the container 10 in the storageconfiguration, or friction in the hinges 56 and 58 may suffice to securethe container 10.

An optional, removable watertight liner 60 can be placed in the cavity48. The watertight liner 60 need not provide structural support for thecontainer 10, since the side walls 24 a-d and bottom 22 can providesufficient strength to the container. The liner 60 can be made from awaterproof fabric, such as a synthetic material. As a result, thecontainer 10 can hold liquid without the need for the side walls 24 a-dand bottom 22 to be watertight. The liner 60 can be snapped, clipped,secured using hook-and-loop strips, or otherwise connected to the sidewalls 24 a-d to maintain the position of the liner 60. The liner 60 canalso be folded for storage without occupying a large area.Alternatively, seals, e.g., rubber strips, can be placed along the edgesof the side walls 24 a-d and bottom 22 such that the container 10 iswatertight when in the storage configuration.

FIG. 8 shows inwardly folding side wall 24 b in the storageconfiguration. The other inwardly folding side wall 24 d can be a mirrorimage of the same structure. A piano-type hinge 56 pivotally connectsthe upper segment 28 to the lower segment 26 such that the segments 26and 28 can pivot. The hinge 56 can be located on the outboard side ofthe side walls 24 b. More specifically, the hinge 56 can be located withits axis in a plane defined by the outboard surface of the side wall 24b or further outward (i.e., away from the cavity 48). The position ofthe hinge 56 relative to the outboard surface of the side wall 24 b canaffect the degree to which the segments 26 and 28 can be pivoted withoutcontacting one another. As a result of locating the hinge 56 in theplane defined by the outboard surface of the side wall 24 b or furtheroutward, the two segments 26 and 28 are able to fold inwardly withoutinterfering with each other. Alternatively, the hinge 56 can be locatedinboard of the position shown in FIG. 8 (i.e., nearer to the cavity 48)if the segments 26 and 28 are shaped (e.g., chamfered) not to contacteach other when pivoting into the collapsed configuration. That is, thehinge 56 can be located inboard of the position shown in FIG. 8 if thecontainer 10 is sufficiently collapsed when the segments 26 and 28contact each other, preventing further collapsing of the container 10,even if the segments 26 and 28 are not parallel.

The hinge 56 as illustrated includes a rod 56 a inserted throughcylinders 56 b formed integrally with the side walls 24 a-d. Thecylinders 56 b can be formed in alternating fashion on the lower segment26 and upper segment 28 as shown in FIG. 7 such that a continuouscylinder is formed when the segments 26 and 28 are attached with the rod56 a. Other types of pivots, for example C-shaped clips molded atintervals along one of the segments 26 and 28 and corresponding barsmolded in the other segment 26 or 28, can be used in place of theillustrated hinge 56. Also, the hinge 56 need not be integral with theside walls 24 a-d; separate pivots can be attached to the side walls 24a-d.

FIG. 9 shows outwardly folding side wall 24 a. The other outwardlyfolding side wall 24 c can be a mirror image of the same structure.Another piano-type hinge 56 can be used to connect the upper segment 28and lower segment 26 of the side walls 24 a. The hinge 56 can include abar 56 a and cylinders 56 b as described above. The hinge 56 can belocated on the inboard side of the side wall 24 a, and more specificallyin line with an inboard surface of the side wall 24 a or further inward,to allow the two segments 26 and 28 to fold outwardly withoutinterfering with each other. As described above, other types of pivotscan be used in place of the piano-type hinge 56, and the hinge 56 can bepositioned at a different location, such as outboard of the positionshown depending on the geometry of the side wall 24 a. For example, thehinge 56 can be positioned outboard of the position shown in FIG. 9 ifthe upper segment 28 and lower segment 26 are chamfered to prevent thesegments 26 and 28 from contacting each other until the container 10 isfully collapsed, or the hinge 56 can be outboard if the container 10 issufficiently collapsed even though the segments 26 and 28 are notparallel when the segments 26 and 28 contact each other.

Additionally as shown in FIG. 9, the latch 66 can be included on anoutboard side of a side wall, e.g., outwardly folding side wall 24 a,for holding the side wall 24 a with the lower segment 26 and uppersegment 28 aligned substantially in parallel by preventing unintendedpivoting of the upper segment 28 and lower segment 26. The latch 66 canbe pivotably coupled to the upper segment 28 via a hinge 70. The distalend of the latch 66 can snap into a notch 68 in the lower segment 26 tosecurely retain the latch 66 in a closed position as illustrated. Thelatch 66 can be disengaged from the notch 68 by applying a force to thedistal end of the latch 66. A spring 64, which can be a coil spring oranother type of spring, can be coupled to the latch 66, and the spring66 can become energized when the latch 66 is pivoted away from theclosed position as shown in FIG. 9 to urge the latch 66 back toward theclosed position. Since the spring 64 can urge the latch 66 toward theclosed position, moving the container 10 to the storage configurationcan cause the latch 66 to automatically engage the notch 68. Once thelatch 66 is engaged with the notch 68, rotation between the lower andupper segments 26 and 28 can be prevented. Other structures canalternatively be used to keep the container 10 in the storageconfiguration as described above. Additionally, the latch 66 can bepositioned at a different location than illustrated, such as pivotallyattached to the lower segment 26. Also, the container 10 need notinclude the latch 66.

Protective covers (not shown) can be included over each hinge 56 and 58to prevent objects, e.g., the hands of a user handling the container 10,from being pinched while collapsing or raising the container 10. Gapscan form over the hinges 56 and 58 when the parts coupled to the hinge56 or 58 are pivoted relative to one another, e.g., when the lowersegment 26 and upper segment 28 of the outwardly folding side wall 24 aare pivoted from the collapsed configuration to the uprightconfiguration. The covers can each include a strip of resilient materialattached to the container 10 along a hinge 56 or 58. The strip should betensioned such that it is sufficiently taut when the gap over the hinge56 or 58 is large so as to prevent accidental insertion of an objectinto the gap. As the container 10 is moved from the collapsedconfiguration to the storage configuration or vice versa, the gaps inthe container 10 can narrow. As a result, even though the strip may notbe taut when the container 10 is in or near the storage configuration,the gaps in the container 10 can be sufficiently small to prevent theaccidental insertion of objects. Other cover structures canalternatively be included. For example, a spring biased cover can beattached to over a gap. Another structure for avoiding the accidentalinsertion of an object into a gap is discussed with reference to FIG.10.

As shown in FIG. 10, the lower segments 28 are pivotally coupled to thebottom 22 with a piano-type hinge 58. The hinge 58 as illustratedincludes a rod 58 a inserted through cylinders 58 b formed integrallywith the side walls 24 a-d and bottom 22. The cylinders 58 b can beformed in alternating fashion on each lower segment 26 and bottom 22 asshown in FIG. 7 such that a continuous cylinder is formed when the lowersegments 26 and bottom 22 are attached with the rod 58 a. Other types ofhinges, for example C-shaped clips molded at intervals along the lowersegments 26 and corresponding bars molded in the bottom 22, can be usedin place of the illustrated hinge 58. Also, the hinge 58 need not beintegral with the side walls 24 a and bottom 22; separate hinges can beattached to the side walls 24 a-d and bottom 22.

The lower segment 26 of each side walls 24 a and 24 c can include acurved edge 62, and sides of the bottom 22 coupled to outwardly foldingside walls 24 a and 24 c can define a notch 63. When the container 10 ischanged from the storage configuration to the collapsed configuration,the curved edge 62 can nest in the notch 63 to prevent interferencebetween the lower segment 26 of the side walls 24 a and the bottom 22.Additionally, the curved edge 62 can act as a protective cover when thecontainer is in the upright configuration; i.e., the curved edge 62 cancover the notch 63 to prevent the accidental insertion of an objectbetween the lower segment 26 and bottom 22. As a result, when thecontainer 10 is collapsed, the curved edge 62 can prevent an object frombeing pinched between the lower segment 26 and bottom 22. Alternatively,the lower segment 26 can extend only to an upper surface of the bottom22 when in the storage configuration such that the lower segment 26 canrotate without interference from the bottom 22, in which case the curvededge 62 and notch 63 are not necessary.

Due to the direction of rotation, i.e., inward rotation, of the sidewalls 24 b and 24 d relative to the bottom 22, the curved edge 62 canextend from the bottom 22 and the notch 63 can be formed in the sidewall 24 b. Alternative lower segment 26 and bottom 22 geometries can beused, though geometries should allow the container 10 to be positionedin a storage configuration and a collapsed configuration.

FIG. 11 illustrates a joint 78 attaching adjacent side walls, e.g., sidewalls 24 b and 24 c as shown. The joint includes an L-shaped bar 80rotatably coupled to an upper corner 36 of side wall 24 b and slidablyand rotatably coupled to the upper corner 34 of the other side wall 24c. Regarding the rotatable coupling of the bar 80 to the side wall 24 b,the side wall 24 b can define an indented channel 85, allowing the bar80 to be positioned below the top surface 32 of the side wall 24 b. Theindented channel 85 can widen near the side wall 24 c in order toprovide a path for the corner 34 of the side wall 24 c to move withoutcontacting the side wall 24 b during collapsing. A bridge 87 portion ofthe side wall 24 c can span a portion of the channel 85. The bar 80 canbe positioned in the channel 85 such that it passes under the bridge 87,and nuts 81 a and 81 b can be attached to the bar 80 on opposing sidesof the bridge 87. The nuts 81 a and 81 b can prevent the bar 80 frombeing subject to translation, while still allowing the bar 80 to rotate.Alternatively, other structures, such as a C-clip, can be used to holdthe bar 80 relative to the side wall 24 b, and the bar 80 can berotatably coupled to the side wall 24 b in another fashion.

In addition, to permit transverse movement of the side wall 24 brelative to side wall 24 c, the bar 80 can be translated relative to theside wall 24 c (though the bar 80 can rotate during the translation).The side wall 24 c can define a channel 89. The bar 80 can extend intothe channel 89, and a spring 102 can be positioned on the bar 80. A nut81 c can be attached to the bar 80 to hold the spring 102 on the bar 80,and a spacer 83 can be positioned on the opposite side of the spring 102from the nut 81 c. The spacer 83 can be slidable along the bar 80. Thisattachment method also permits the bar 80 to rotate relative to the sidewall 24 c. The channel 89 can be covered with a piece of material suchas a molded trim plastic piece, tape, or another material for aestheticsand to prevent objects from interfering with the operation of the joint78. An alternative structure can be used to slidably couple the bar 80to the side wall 24 c.

During movement of the container 10 from the storage configuration tothe collapsed configuration, for example, the side wall 24 b can rotaterelative to the side wall 24 c. Since the walls 24 b and 24 c abut oneanother in the storage configuration, the walls 24 b and 24 c should bemoved apart from one another to permit the walls 24 b and 24 c to rotaterelative to one another. Without moving the walls 24 b and 24 c apartfrom one another before rotation, the corners 36 and 34 of the walls 24b and 24 c, respectively, contact one another, hindering movement of thecontainer 10. However, the joint 78 allows the side wall 24 b to bemoved away from the side wall 24 c, as the bar 80 can slide through thechannel 89. As the bar 80 slides through the channel 89, the spring 102can become compressed between the nut 81 c and spacer 83, therebygenerating a force urging the bar 80 back toward its normal position asshown in FIG. 11. Since the bar 80 is also attached to the side wall 24b, the effect of the spring 102 urging the bar 80 toward its normalposition is to pull the side walls 24 b and 24 c together. With the sidewalls 24 b and 24 c sufficiently spaced apart, the side wall 24 b can berotated relative to the side wall 24 c. Since the bar 80 is rotatablycoupled to the side wall 24 b, rotation of the side wall 24 b can occur.Following rotation of the side wall 24 b, the spring 102 can rebound topull the side wall 24 b into contact with the side wall 24 c. Thus, thejoint 78 allows the side wall 24 b to be moved transversely away fromthe side wall 24 c, allowing the side walls 24 b and 24 c to be rotatedrelative to one another without physically interfering with one another.

Joints 78 can be placed between the upper corners of all adjacent sidewalls 24 a-d. Alternatively, a different type of coupling that allowsrotation of the side walls 24 b and 24 c without interference can beused. For example, magnets can be attached to near the corners 36 and 34of the side walls 24 b and 24 c, respectively, so that the walls 24 band 24 c can be spaced apart for rotation relative to one another whilebeing magnetically pulled toward each other to maintain the generalrectangular shape 38 of the side walls 24 a-d. Also, no such joint isnecessary, as the side walls 24 b and 24 c can still rotate relative toone another if not coupled by a joint. However, more care is required tofold the side walls 24 a-d if no joint is included because the sidewalls 24 a-d are not held in place during folding.

The use of joints 78 connecting all the side walls 24 a-d can cause allthe side walls 24 a-d to rotate together between the collapsedconfiguration and storage configuration. For example, when the container10 is between the collapsed and storage configurations as shown in FIG.6B, the side walls 24 a-d are all equally folded. Additionally, sincethe joints 78 can hold adjacent side walls 24 a-d close together, thejoints 78 can maintain the rectangular shape 38 generally formed by thetop surfaces 32 of the side walls 24 a-d of the container 10 regardlessof the configuration of the container as shown in FIGS. 6A-C. However,the shape 38 does vary slightly due to the transverse movement permittedby the joints 78 (i.e., the rectangular shape 38 can be slightlyelongate if one of the side walls 24 a, for example, moved transverselyrelative to the remaining side walls 24 b-d).

FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of a container 104 according tothe present invention. A thermoelectric device 82 including a fan can beplaced inside the interior panel 42 of the vehicle 12. Thethermoelectric device 82 can be powered by a vehicle battery andoperated by a switch located, for example, on the interior panel 42 or avehicle console. An inlet vent 90 receives air from the interiorcompartment 52 of the vehicle 12. The fan forces the air across thethermoelectric device 82, warming or cooling the air. The warmed orcooled air passes through an air output port 84 formed in the interiorpanel 42 of the vehicle 12. The interior panel 42 also includes an airinput port 86. The container 104 includes air receiving opening 92 andan air discharging opening 94. The container 104 can be placed in theinterior compartment 52 of the vehicle 12, and the openings 92 and 94can be engaged with the ports 84 and 86, respectively, to form agenerally air-tight path for air. The warmed or cooled air passes fromthe output port 84 into the container 104 via the opening 92 to maintainthe temperature in the container 104 (or to heat or cool the container104, depending on the relative temperatures of the air in the container104 and the air exiting the output port 84). As air travels into thecontainer 104, a corresponding amount of air exits the container 104through the discharge opening 94. The discharged air travels from thecontainer 104 into the input port 86, and then exits into the interiorcompartment 52 through an outlet vent 88 formed in the interior panel42. The container 104 can include additional or alternative featuresfrom the above description. The opening 92 and 94 in the container 104can be closed using, for example, O-ring equipped plugs when thecontainer 104 is not engaged with the vehicle 12. The vents 88 and 90can be in communication with an air source other than the interiorcompartment 52, such as the air outside the vehicle 12.

A container according to the present invention can have severaladvantages over conventional containers. The container 10 can becollapsed to a collapsed configuration to be stowed away, yet stilloffers protection when in the storage configuration due to its rigidwalls. The container 10 can be secured in place by the thermoelectriclid 14 during travel, preventing unintended movement of the container 10in the vehicle 12. The container 10 can be heated or cooled by thethermoelectric lid 14 for creating a desired temperature within thecontainer. Additional advantages should also be apparent to one of skillin the art.

While the invention has been described in connection with what ispresently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment,it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to thedisclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit andscope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadestinterpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalentstructures as is permitted under the law.

1. A collapsible storage container comprising: a bottom wall; and aplurality of side walls, at least two of the plurality of side wallsincluding a rigid first segment and a rigid second segment coupled tothe first segment by a pivot to permit the side wall to fold so that thefirst segment and second segment form an acute angle or are parallelwhen the container is collapsed.
 2. The collapsible storage container ofclaim 1, wherein the at least two of the plurality of sidewalls includean outwardly folding pair of side walls and an inwardly folding pair ofside walls.
 3. The collapsible storage container of claim 2, wherein therigid second segment of each outwardly folding side wall is coupled tothe rigid second segments of both inwardly folding side walls such thatends of the side walls opposite the bottom wall form a rectangular shapewhen the container is in a collapsed configuration, a storageconfiguration, and in between the collapsed and storage configurations.4. The collapsible storage container of claim 1, wherein the side wallsare thermally insulating.
 5. A collapsible storage container comprising:a bottom wall; and a plurality of side walls pivotally coupled to thebottom wall, each side wall comprised of: a rigid lower wall segmenthaving a first end pivotally coupled to the bottom wall and a second endspaced apart from the first end; and a rigid upper wall segment having ahinged end pivotally coupled to the second end of the lower wall segmentand a distal end spaced apart from the hinged end; wherein the storagecontainer is configurable in a storage configuration wherein the distalends of the upper wall segments are positioned a first distance from thebottom wall and a collapsed configuration wherein the distal ends of theupper wall segments are positioned a second distance from the bottomwall, the second distance less than the first distance.
 6. Thecollapsible storage container of claim 5, further comprising a pluralityof attachment members, each attachment member pivotally coupling thedistal end of one of the upper wall segments to the distal end ofanother upper wall segment.
 7. The collapsible storage container ofclaim 5, wherein when the storage container is in the storageconfiguration, the lower wall segment and the upper wall segment aresubstantially parallel; and wherein when the storage container is in thecollapsed configuration, the lower wall segment and the upper wallsegment form an obtuse angle therebetween.
 8. The collapsible storagecontainer of claim 5, wherein the lower wall segment and the upper wallsegment are substantially parallel to one another and perpendicular tothe bottom wall when the storage container is in the storageconfiguration, and wherein the lower wall segment and the upper wallsegment form an acute angle therebetween when the storage container isin the collapsed configuration.
 9. The collapsible storage container ofclaim 5, wherein the side walls are thermally insulating.
 10. Thecollapsible storage container of claim 5, wherein when the storagecontainer is in the collapsed configuration, the first end of the lowerwall segment and the distal end of the upper wall segment aresubstantially adjacent to one another.
 11. The collapsible storagecontainer of claim 5, wherein at least one of the side walls is anoutwardly folding side wall in which, the second end of the lower wallsegment is located outboard of the first end of the lower wall segmentwhen the storage container is in the collapsed configuration.
 12. Thecollapsible storage container of claim 11, further comprising a handlecoupled to an outer surface of one of the upper wall segment and thelower wall segment of the outwardly folding side wall.
 13. Thecollapsible storage container of claim 5, wherein the lower wall segmentand the upper wall segment have substantially the same height.
 14. Thecollapsible storage container of claim 5, wherein at least one of theside walls is a latching side wall having a latch assembly operable toretain its lower wall segment and upper wall segment in a substantiallyparallel configuration.
 15. The collapsible storage container of claim14, wherein the latch assembly is disposed on an outboard side of thelatching side wall.
 16. The collapsible storage container of claim 15,farther comprising: a hinge connecting the upper wall segment and thelower wall segment of the latching side wall, the hinge having an axisof rotation aligned with an interior surface of the latching side wallwhen the storage container is in the storage configuration.
 17. Thecollapsible storage container of claim 15, further comprising: a hingeconnecting the upper wall segment and the lower wall segment of thelatching side wall, the hinge having an axis of rotation inboard of aninterior surface of the latching side wall when the storage container isin the storage configuration.
 18. A collapsible storage containercomprising: a bottom wall; and a pair of end walls, each end wallcomprised of: a rigid lower wall segment having a first end pivotallycoupled to the bottom wall and a second end spaced apart from the firstend of the lower wall segment; and a rigid upper wall segment having ahinged end pivotally coupled to the second end of the lower wall segmentand a distal end spaced apart from the hinged end of the upper wallsegment; a pair of lateral walls, each lateral wall comprised of: arigid lower wall segment having a first end pivotally coupled to thebottom wall and a second end spaced apart from the first end of thelower wall segment; and a rigid upper wall segment having a hinged endpivotally coupled to the second end of the lower wall segment and adistal end spaced apart from the hinged end of the upper wall segment;and a plurality of attachment members, each attachment member pivotallycoupling the distal end of the upper wall segment of each end wall tothe distal end of the upper wall segment of one of the lateral walls;and wherein the storage container is configurable in a storageconfiguration wherein the distal ends of the upper wall segments of theend walls and lateral walls are positioned a first distance from thebottom wall and a collapsed configuration wherein the distal ends of theupper wall segments of the end walls and lateral walls are positioned asecond distance from the bottom wall, the second distance less than thefirst distance.
 19. The collapsible storage container of claim 18,wherein when the storage container is in the collapsed configuration,the second end of the lower segment of each end wall is outboard of thefirst end of the lower wall segment of the end wall.
 20. The collapsiblestorage container of claim 18, wherein when the storage container is inthe collapsed configuration, the second end of the lower segment of eachlateral wall is inboard of the first end of the lower wall segment ofthe lateral wall.